How Much Does Adoption Cost? Costs by Type and the 2026 Tax Credit
Written by Sydney Brickey, founder of WeFertility
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Adoption can cost anywhere from free to about $2,500 through foster care, to $25,000 to $60,000 or more for domestic infant or international adoption. For 2026, the federal adoption tax credit covers qualified expenses up to $17,670 per child.
Why we're writing about adoption
Ever since I was little, I pictured adopting one day. Then Gina told me she had always wanted to carry, and that became our path. We didn't adopt, but it's still close to my heart, and we built WeFertility for every path to family.
How much does each type of adoption cost?
| Type of adoption | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Foster care | Free to about $2,500 |
| Domestic infant, through an agency | $25,000–$60,000 |
| Domestic infant, through an attorney | $35,000–$50,000 |
| International | About $25,000–$60,000, plus travel, depending on the country |
Costs vary by state, agency, and country. Ask every agency or attorney for a written fee schedule.
What is the adoption tax credit for 2026?
For tax year 2026, the federal adoption credit covers qualified adoption expenses up to $17,670 per child, and up to $5,120 of it can be refundable. Income limits apply.
- Qualified expenses include adoption fees, attorney fees, court costs, home study fees, and travel, including meals and lodging.
- If you adopt a U.S. child a state has determined has special needs, you may be able to claim the full credit even with no expenses.
- For international adoptions, you claim the credit once the adoption is final.
- You can't claim the credit for adopting your spouse's child.
Can you get financial help for adoption?
Yes. Ask your employer whether they offer adoption benefits, and look into nonprofit grants. Journey to Parenthood, for example, offers grants that can be used for adoption. Each program has its own rules, so check their current requirements before you apply.
What should you ask before you start?
- Can I get a written fee schedule, including what's due when?
- What does the home study cost, and who does it?
- Which of these expenses qualify for the adoption tax credit?
- Does my employer offer adoption benefits?
- Which grants do we qualify for?
- What travel should we budget for?
How does WeFertility help with adoption?
Adoption runs on paperwork and receipts. Log every fee as you pay it and keep every receipt, so you're ready when it's time to claim the tax credit. Export your expenses for your tax professional. Turn home study steps, references, and court dates into tasks with an owner, and attach your agency agreement and court documents to the steps they belong to. Invite your partner and support people, and choose what each person sees.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to adopt from foster care?
Adopting from the U.S. foster care system usually costs very little, from free to about $2,500.
What is the adoption tax credit for 2026?
For tax year 2026, the credit covers qualified adoption expenses up to $17,670 per child, and up to $5,120 can be refundable. Income limits apply, so check with a tax professional.
Can you claim the adoption tax credit for a stepparent or second-parent adoption?
Not for adopting your spouse's child. The IRS doesn't allow the credit for those expenses.
This is our experience, not medical, legal, tax, or financial advice. Talk to your agency, attorney, or tax professional.
How WeFertility helps
WeFertility remembers, so you don't have to: every fee, every receipt, every form, and who's doing what. Try it free for 30 days, then it's less than a coffee a month. Download WeFertility on the App Store.
About the author
Sydney Brickey is the founder of WeFertility. She and her wife, Gina, went through IUI and IVF with a known donor and built WeFertility to make the process easier for other families. Read our story.